Time to actually do something to get out of the post Model Expo doldrums mojo slump.
Fossick around and get this Hobbyboss 1/35 Strigsvagen 122 (Leopard II) out
Had this is the stash for a while. Let's see where it goes from here
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/avodga2cwhty6t7abjaxg/LeoIIUpg_1.JPG?rlkey=j4d7qj97sh4e45e7mahehxnqx&st=5flskhr6&raw=1)
I am thinking a gun upgrade to something like this
(https://static.warthunder.com/upload/image/!%202020%20NEWS/05%20May/HSTV/hstv_l_01_1280h720_af0a6040d629c32a192ddfedbf0a732e.jpg)
Quote from: buzzbomb on June 18, 2024, 02:10:27 AMTime to actually do something to get out of the post Model Expo doldrums mojo slump.
I tend to suffer similarly post Telford. Strange :-\
Liking the idea of this :thumbsup:
Quote from: NARSES2 on June 18, 2024, 02:26:15 AMI tend to suffer similarly post Telford. Strange :-\
I'm the exact opposite!
When I get home from a Telford event (always the IPMS Nats to me............) my brain's overloaded with ideas, usually more than I'll ever have to time to do anyway.
I like it Buzzy and I've got a Hobbyboss Leo ll A7 in the stash too..very nice kit 👌 👍.
One thing about your upgrade ...that vehicle had a 75mm gun .
It's called the High Survivability Test Vehicle (Lightweight) (HSTV(L)) ..wiki there ;D
Armament is the 75 mm XM274 CTA autocannon..it's quite alot weaker than the L55 120mm the Leo's got at present .
Now if ya kept that turret design and went 140mm ..that equals yummy 😋 😍 😜
If you used a Stryker MGS-style turret, you could ramp the calibre up considerably... just saying... :mellow: ;)
Quote from: Wardukw on June 18, 2024, 12:27:34 PMOne thing about your upgrade ...that vehicle had a 75mm gun .
It's called the High Survivability Test Vehicle (Lightweight) (HSTV(L)) ..wiki there ;D
Armament is the 75 mm XM274 CTA autocannon..it's quite alot weaker than the L55 120mm the Leo's got at present .
Now if ya kept that turret design and went 140mm ..that equals yummy 😋 😍 😜
The picture was always only an example of style... as we say.. Go big or go home ;D
Turret is remaining.. because it is way cool.
This kit goes together quite well, sure it is simplified compared to maybe a meng kits.. but that is the point for this type of build.
Bit of experimentation for gun changes, so heading in sort of this direction
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jxvsz6na9vfwedl7x0zrl/LeoIIUpg_2.JPG?rlkey=ow6tbb2c06wukh2bymnolk7tw&st=ub5bu8mk&raw=1)
More tinkerings coming up. Rail gun is too far fetched for a tank at this stage, but maybe some sort of propellant breakthrough, caseless ammo, redirected recoilless style gases to both decrease recoil and increase muzzle velocity, sort of like a gun version of a triple expansion Steam engine, use the sames gases multiple times down the projectile path. Oh dear... mutterings of a madman :)
How about additional propellant charges as the projectile travelled down the barrel.
Like the...I want to say nazi V3? Was that the one that was meant to have the barrel buried with side galleries where additional charges fired as the missile went past? IIRC 617 sqn bombed it.
<does a interweb search>
Yes, here it is;
(https://www.whatifmodellers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.historynet.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fimage%2F2008%2Fworldwar2%2Fjuly2008_infograph.jpg&hash=03312b58c00a4448d7ed3da105dd8d9ae9b22e90)
Quote from: zenrat on June 19, 2024, 03:50:14 AMHow about additional propellant charges as the projectile travelled down the barrel.
Like the...I want to say nazi V3? Was that the one that was meant to have the barrel buried with side galleries where additional charges fired as the missile went past? IIRC 617 sqn bombed it.
Dead right on all counts. Good thing they did bomb it or I might not be writing this............
Yes thanks Fred, great info.
Sticking a bit more conventional but work has progressed, not getting too carried away, so far it is mainly about the gun.
Mods around the jacket and maybe a calibre increase to say 130mm (Dukwy ;) )
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/plc14yz1hetdm994ev1sn/LeoIIUpg_3.JPG?rlkey=xalcuoyx1msxhv0jtdbldirma&st=t2g9aq5w&raw=1)
The kit is ok, some of the fit is fine, some a bit vague, but all in all getting together.
There is one minor hurdle ahead, in that I used the tracks and sprockets of this kit for the Gas Turbine Chieftain build to give it more modern tracks. Might do a swappy back to full metal tracks for this.
Matey I think 130mm is a nice increase in bore diameter.
Have ya seen the KF51 MBT from Amusing Hobby?.
It's the latest prototype upgrade for the Leo ll ..basically I'd call it the A8 or A9 variant of this tank and irs z pretty cool looking machine..ive got the kit along with a Hobbyboss A5/A6 Leo ll and when they get offered to ya for a stupidity low price there's only one thing to say ..yep!!! ;D 😀
As this is largely out of the box, and pretty simple, it has zoomed ahead as far as the build goes
Gun mods, the muzzle brake is a try out to see if I like it... so far... not so much. They are pretty much old school these days.
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/yjwk9sr1ls403jcu5afh6/LeoIIUpg_4.JPG?rlkey=g9uiv1425cy3lw2ldboflycpq&st=d94etdd1&raw=1)
This kit has bundles of spare parts, for other Leopard II version. Given my thoughts are that this is a life extension upgrade and given recent events in the Ukraine where drones are taking out many tanks,
perhaps there is more thought given to Drone defences other than clumsy Cope Cages. I toying with modding the left over smoke launchers to an active drone defence system, mostly facing rear around the engine deck area where the Drone danger is highest. Perhaps sort of like a WW2 German S-Mine system active defence. Or even launched nets to tangle up the drone.
Might be less dangerous to close friendlies ;D Some blue tack engineering at this stage.
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4jmppjtl7idosc3kybr8n/LeoIIUpg_5.JPG?rlkey=e7tt3dwas2przhkkup0u0uf9d&st=w0899cpm&raw=1)
Another overview. i do like the enclose smoke launchers on this version.
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hfzhbkz6z669s196yr50x/LeoIIUpg_6.JPG?rlkey=a6wnqiuxmevwlrsf0lqzzwcch&st=lukohhx4&raw=1)
The new barrel certainly gives it a "look" all of its own :thumbsup:
Quote from: buzzbomb on June 22, 2024, 01:18:05 AMand given recent events in the Ukraine where drones are taking out many tanks,
perhaps there is more thought given to Drone defences other than clumsy Cope Cages. I
I wasn't aware of that, and wondered what those "cages" were. Thanks for adding to the data bank aka my noggin :thumbsup: Maybe give the crew some butterfly nets ? ;)
i keep expecting to see a remote weapon system with an auto shotgun mounted :wacko:
Quote from: NARSES2 on June 22, 2024, 01:43:19 AMThe new barrel certainly gives it a "look" all of its own :thumbsup:
Quote from: buzzbomb on June 22, 2024, 01:18:05 AMand given recent events in the Ukraine where drones are taking out many tanks,
perhaps there is more thought given to Drone defences other than clumsy Cope Cages. I
I wasn't aware of that, and wondered what those "cages" were. Thanks for adding to the data bank aka my noggin :thumbsup: Maybe give the crew some butterfly nets ? ;)
Chris those cope cages are not only for drones but they were originally to stop Top Attack Missiles ...Javelin being the main weapon as they figured that I'd they could detonate the war head before it could hit the turrets roof then the tank would be safe ...well we've all seen quite convincingly that they don't do dodo ;D ;D
Alot of russian tanks are running a active drone protection system on the top of their cope cages ..there's plenty of footage on you of the tube showing these systems at work just as a Ukrainian drone slams into them 😀
Fact I've only seen 2 examples where these have actually worked with the drones going haywire and crashing into the ground ..but 2 out of several thousand tanks protected ain't bragging rights for curtain.
Yep I know that not all russian tanks have these systems but apart from 2 every other one I've seen with em have been munted catastrophically. :thumbsup:
The russians will never learn to store their ammo like we do in our tanks . :wacko: n
Brian mate if ya need ideas for this beasty have a look at the new M3 Bradley protection systems that their going to use ..which finally work at last too 😆
Then wifffy up ya own ...either way ya go still going to look sweet 😋
Quote from: Wardukw on June 22, 2024, 11:38:00 AMChris those cope cages are not only for drones but they were originally to stop Top Attack Missiles ...Javelin being the main weapon as they figured that I'd they could detonate the war head before it could hit the turrets roof then the tank would be safe ...
That's what I'd assumed to be honest, that they were there to protect against stand-off/HEAT weapons..
Cheers for the extra info, you never know when it will come in handy ;) ;D :thumbsup:
Wouldn't this be either a Strv 123 or Strv 131, though, instead of a 122? Swedish nomenclature is vehicle type followed by gun calibre in centimetres, and then a sequential number for the variant. Strv 121 is the Leopard 2A4, 122 is the Leopard 2A5, because they are the first and second tanks with a 12 cm gun in service, so with a new 120 mm gun this would be the 123, while with a 130 mm gun, it'll be 131.
Quote from: Steel Penguin on June 22, 2024, 01:51:42 AMi keep expecting to see a remote weapon system with an auto shotgun mounted :wacko:
They were playing around with one mounting a pair of AA-12 Shotguns, at one stage...
I've see pics but can't find them at present - my goggle-fu has failed me this time...
Quote from: Jakko on June 23, 2024, 02:37:16 AMWouldn't this be either a Strv 123 or Strv 131, though, instead of a 122? Swedish nomenclature is vehicle type followed by gun calibre in centimetres, and then a sequential number for the variant. Strv 121 is the Leopard 2A4, 122 is the Leopard 2A5, because they are the first and second tanks with a 12 cm gun in service, so with a new 120 mm gun this would be the 123, while with a 130 mm gun, it'll be 131.
Good info and certainly explains the Swedish naming system and might well be one of the above.. if it ends up Swedish.
The title was nothing more than what was written on the instructions when I started (and even that was spelt wrong ;D ) as the end point was some distance away. This was really a loss of mojo build.
But... painting has started as far as a primer coat. Also has a RWS now, just one pinched from a Stryker kit so nothing super modern or flash.
Quote from: buzzbomb on June 23, 2024, 10:59:26 PMThe title was nothing more than what was written on the instructions
Ah, OK, I thought you were going to build this as a what-if Swedish variant. Would be interesting to do just that, though.
So the painting begins. Still not decided the nationality, Swedish or Finnish... both have great schemes.
Maybe lets do what Jakko's said.... leaning toward Swedish.. so we may get the Stridsvagn 131 yet
First layer
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gfc2q4gniz7he1j9nbzp4/LeoIIUpg_8.JPG?rlkey=3mjzs8gm6iiwyrzkk5eqtbpla&st=3erxjc3s&raw=1)
Let the Splinter pattern begin
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ml03c561s76ihsb4av8t3/LeoIIUpg_9.JPG?rlkey=tvnxn2mi1wnansmi70q5kd29w&st=b3nkhtbd&raw=1)
The charcoal is next.
Not being super careful with the masking, so it will probably be a bit rough in places and may need a few touch ups come the unmasking.
That kind of masking is fun ...
(https://www.animaatjes.nl/eten-en-drinken/eten-en-drinken-plaatjes/nootjes-en-popcorn/animaatjes-nootjes-en-popcorn-8911375.gif)
Quote from: Jakko on June 25, 2024, 01:34:43 AMThat kind of masking is fun ...
Sorry, which drugs are you on, exactly? :unsure:
;) ;D
Looking good :thumbsup:
Very nice ...so far ;D ;D
Quote from: Old Wombat on June 25, 2024, 02:07:30 AM(https://www.animaatjes.nl/eten-en-drinken/eten-en-drinken-plaatjes/nootjes-en-popcorn/animaatjes-nootjes-en-popcorn-8911375.gif)
Quote from: Jakko on June 25, 2024, 01:34:43 AMThat kind of masking is fun ...
Sorry, which drugs are you on, exactly? :unsure:
;) ;D
And can we get some over here? Asking for a Friend. :angel:
This will be good!
Quote from: Old Wombat on June 25, 2024, 02:07:30 AMSorry, which drugs are you on, exactly? :unsure:
Not enough ;)
Alright.. reasonably happy with how that came out
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/uudh98b9abzclwuitro6f/LeoIIUpg_10.JPG?rlkey=1uvm6j628tllhje4fdti8bz7f&st=uul81sfg&raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kqh9b0i4mz2t2i18u8yfp/LeoIIUpg_11.JPG?rlkey=m4njsza8itdeemxhker7virvq&st=gib85aau&raw=1)
On to the next bit, decals, detail painting and a bit of weathering
I do like that scheme :thumbsup:
That turned out really well!
Oh, yeah! Nice splinter scheme! :mellow: :thumbsup:
I'd be much more than "reasonably happy". ;)
Quote from: Old Wombat on June 28, 2024, 08:03:12 AMOh, yeah! Nice splinter scheme! :mellow: :thumbsup:
I'd be much more than "reasonably happy". ;)
Yep same here ..I'd be chuffed to bits with this Buzzy ;D ;D 😉
That is super cool ! Love the new look. Nice one !
Quote from: Wardukw on June 28, 2024, 12:01:03 PMQuote from: Old Wombat on June 28, 2024, 08:03:12 AMOh, yeah! Nice splinter scheme! :mellow: :thumbsup:
I'd be much more than "reasonably happy". ;)
Yep same here ..I'd be chuffed to bits with this Buzzy ;D ;D 😉
Wot they all said!! :thumbsup:
I always think the later Leos seem to have 'sawn-off' barrels, but then a lot of it is buried in the up-armouring.
So.. tick this one off
A few touchups, fit off the RWS and some light weathering and that is about it.
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qym4pyk6hdkk3ywz24xt7/LeoIIUpg_12.JPG?rlkey=c0ex34589h2lbo44mdspco34z&st=e3np7g0x&raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1f67b1lujvo7op323vnjj/LeoIIUpg_13.JPG?rlkey=090xrxt776mshwp9y2r1hiyev&st=1aunm2x4&raw=1)
Revised gun layout with shroud
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zmlxocw8rps7fo6mtordx/LeoIIUpg_14.JPG?rlkey=ieh6kmu8w3r0tacufcxh9jdjy&st=xv9s8bms&raw=1)
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9m6nmeznx3b641tio8q6o/LeoIIUpg_15.JPG?rlkey=n62wegmj624gaibun1f1xm030&st=6zc0vjjx&raw=1)
Anti Drone Defence System...Let's say they are launched nets to capture and entangle drones to inhibit them from striking cleanly.
(https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7a9i62ggo8iokvq3eltb0/LeoIIUpg_16.JPG?rlkey=s45hzorkl77q4b69btnpl37ue&st=19pdated&raw=1)
Cool one, I like it :) The camouflage came out very well, and the model looks convincingly like it could really exist.
:thumbsup:
Fantastic build, BT! :mellow: :thumbsup:
Excellently excellent ;D ;D
Love it Buzzy 😀
That's come out really well :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
It does look the business :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I must have missed a part of tank tech. What is the thing right above the gun muzzle? Surely not a front sight... ;D
It's a lazer reflector to measure the gun barrel before each shot. This detects any change in the barrel's shape that might affect accuracy. I think most tanks have that today.
Quote from: kerick on July 01, 2024, 06:35:37 AMIt's a lazer reflector to measure the gun barrel before each shot. This detects any change in the barrel's shape that might affect accuracy. I think most tanks have that today.
Just eyed some Leopard 2 photos and see that they have something on the right side of the muzzle. That must be it. :thumbsup:
I know the M1 Abrams has it on top and it does look like a rifle sight!
That looks absolutely Bob on that does. :thumbsup:
What you blokes are talking about is called the MRS or muzzle reference system and what Ken said about it is dead right ✅️ ;D
Yes team, that is the basic gist, part of a Muzzle Reference setup :thumbsup: . The kit barrels did indeed have the MRS on the right side. I just moved it a bit and chunked up to add a bit of interest to an otherwise boring tube.
So it's not a bottle opener?
:unsure:
Quote from: zenrat on July 02, 2024, 03:53:33 AMSo it's not a bottle opener?
:unsure:
The answer to that depends on whether the Sgt Major is around. ;) ;D
Quote from: Old Wombat on July 02, 2024, 04:41:12 AMQuote from: zenrat on July 02, 2024, 03:53:33 AMSo it's not a bottle opener?
:unsure:
The answer to that depends on whether the Sgt Major is around. ;) ;D
That's what I figured. :mellow: